PETA
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The first tri - Scary Swim...... - Part 1
And finally the race day arrived for which i was waiting for a long time. My first triathlon race The Music City Triathlon. Got up early at around 4:15 am and was ready. Maria came to pick me and Csaba along with our bikes. By 6:00 we were are the race place.
Then went through the basic checking of the stuff and got my bike and rest of the stuff in the transition area. A few familiar faces were around me from the University and also some from last nights dinner get together. Warmed up with a some stretching exercises. The weather predictions were not very good and since morning there were gusty winds blowing. We were praying to get the waters calm so that we could start properly and go along. By 7 i was ready with all the stuff laid out and ready to go.
Since entering the collegiate category i was in the first wave of the swimmers. So made a point to hit the shores a bit early to get the fee of the water. The signs were not good since there were high waves all over with gusty winds around and that was tough. Before the start an announcement was made that those who want to back due to the weather conditions can back out :) hmmmmmmm that's quite interesting for a first timer.
So as per the directions the WAVE 1 participants entered the water till a marker from where the start was given. And so finally started my maiden triathlon. The waves were quite high and initially i was not sure if i could even make it to the finish line because mid was the winds got too rough. But made a point to stay close to the other swimmers. I was hardly able to see the marker since every time i had my head up there was a big wave in front of me . At time i felt i was along .... freakkkkked out .... but all were around me :).
Mid way into the race even the race boats were not see as due to the bad weather they were not able to make it. And on the way back from the first marker i could see swimmers scattered all over and that was mostly because the waves were just throwing us around like anything. At the second marker for the turn towards the shores i was able to see the lighthouse and the pack of swimmers.
But the cross winds were drifting all of us away from the shore. That was the last part but completely against the wind.... i could see most of the swimmers going to the other side they just could make it against the winds. But all of them were trying their best. Finally made it to the shores and that too in a comparatively higher end of the pack. The best part was that made it to the shores. Half way towards the shores we were told that the swim part of the race was canceled due to the rough weather conditions. So of the total of 14 WAVES only fist three WAVES made it to the water.
The race was stopped for some 45 mins just to make sure that everyone was out of the water and no one was left in there. Later swimmers were helped by the boats and some who had drifted to the other end to come to the race point.
In all the first tri swim was really really scary. But was very happy that i made it and that gives me a good confidence for the later races to come.
Then went through the basic checking of the stuff and got my bike and rest of the stuff in the transition area. A few familiar faces were around me from the University and also some from last nights dinner get together. Warmed up with a some stretching exercises. The weather predictions were not very good and since morning there were gusty winds blowing. We were praying to get the waters calm so that we could start properly and go along. By 7 i was ready with all the stuff laid out and ready to go.
Since entering the collegiate category i was in the first wave of the swimmers. So made a point to hit the shores a bit early to get the fee of the water. The signs were not good since there were high waves all over with gusty winds around and that was tough. Before the start an announcement was made that those who want to back due to the weather conditions can back out :) hmmmmmmm that's quite interesting for a first timer.
So as per the directions the WAVE 1 participants entered the water till a marker from where the start was given. And so finally started my maiden triathlon. The waves were quite high and initially i was not sure if i could even make it to the finish line because mid was the winds got too rough. But made a point to stay close to the other swimmers. I was hardly able to see the marker since every time i had my head up there was a big wave in front of me . At time i felt i was along .... freakkkkked out .... but all were around me :).
Mid way into the race even the race boats were not see as due to the bad weather they were not able to make it. And on the way back from the first marker i could see swimmers scattered all over and that was mostly because the waves were just throwing us around like anything. At the second marker for the turn towards the shores i was able to see the lighthouse and the pack of swimmers.
But the cross winds were drifting all of us away from the shore. That was the last part but completely against the wind.... i could see most of the swimmers going to the other side they just could make it against the winds. But all of them were trying their best. Finally made it to the shores and that too in a comparatively higher end of the pack. The best part was that made it to the shores. Half way towards the shores we were told that the swim part of the race was canceled due to the rough weather conditions. So of the total of 14 WAVES only fist three WAVES made it to the water.
The race was stopped for some 45 mins just to make sure that everyone was out of the water and no one was left in there. Later swimmers were helped by the boats and some who had drifted to the other end to come to the race point.
In all the first tri swim was really really scary. But was very happy that i made it and that gives me a good confidence for the later races to come.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Bumpy roads
A good article i came across regarding the increase in the usage of bicycle around due to increase in the gas prices .........
Bumpy roads
Jul 31st 2008 | SEATTLE
From The Economist print edition
It’s not all free wheeling
WITH petrol the price it is, more and more people are riding a bicycle to work. In Broward County, Florida, about 35,000 people a month typically put their bicycles on a bus bike-rack, thereby shortening a cycle commute. In May of this year, 68,000 people did so. Denver saw 25,000 people register for a recent “bike to work” day, up from 15,000 a year ago. In Seattle cyclists complain about a shortage of bike stands, while in Portland, Oregon, some 6,000 cyclists cross just one of the city’s many bridges each morning.
Bicycle-boosters are thrilled with the sudden popularity of their humble machine. “Ridership is just skyrocketing,” says Elizabeth Preston of the League of American Bicyclists, a Washington, DC, advocacy group (even cyclists have lobbyists these days). Performance Bicycles, a retailer with shops in 15 states, says bicycle sales in June were the highest ever recorded.
But cycling’s popularity has a downside. The people of Portland, for instance, have been entertained over the past few days by a series of altercations between bicyclists and motorists. In one, a motorist and cyclist came to blows after the motorist berated the pedal-pusher for ignoring a stop sign. The enraged cyclist used his bike to batter the motorist’s car until a bystander punched him.
In Seattle, meanwhile, two cyclists were arrested after they attacked a motorist during a so-called “Critical Mass” ride, events where large groups of cyclists ride through city streets to demonstrate their right to the road. New York cyclists are up in arms about an incident in which a police officer, for no apparent reason, knocked a cyclist off his bike and then arrested him and tried to pretend the man had run into him until a video recording proved him wrong. And in Colorado, reports the Los Angeles Times, cyclists have been feuding with the sheriff of Larimer County for his aggressive—cyclists say unreasonable— enforcement of bike-related traffic laws. More seriously, most bicycle advocates say cycling deaths are sharply up, although the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has no figures as yet for 2008.
After years of federal and local spending on bike routes and other amenities, most cities are ready to handle more cyclists. But many motorists simply don’t see their two-wheeled brethren or, when they do, find them aggravating. Managing more cyclists is going to take more than new bike paths or fresh stripes on the roads. It looks as though there is a need, on both sides, for a revolution in manners.
Bumpy roads
Jul 31st 2008 | SEATTLE
From The Economist print edition
It’s not all free wheeling
WITH petrol the price it is, more and more people are riding a bicycle to work. In Broward County, Florida, about 35,000 people a month typically put their bicycles on a bus bike-rack, thereby shortening a cycle commute. In May of this year, 68,000 people did so. Denver saw 25,000 people register for a recent “bike to work” day, up from 15,000 a year ago. In Seattle cyclists complain about a shortage of bike stands, while in Portland, Oregon, some 6,000 cyclists cross just one of the city’s many bridges each morning.
Bicycle-boosters are thrilled with the sudden popularity of their humble machine. “Ridership is just skyrocketing,” says Elizabeth Preston of the League of American Bicyclists, a Washington, DC, advocacy group (even cyclists have lobbyists these days). Performance Bicycles, a retailer with shops in 15 states, says bicycle sales in June were the highest ever recorded.
But cycling’s popularity has a downside. The people of Portland, for instance, have been entertained over the past few days by a series of altercations between bicyclists and motorists. In one, a motorist and cyclist came to blows after the motorist berated the pedal-pusher for ignoring a stop sign. The enraged cyclist used his bike to batter the motorist’s car until a bystander punched him.
In Seattle, meanwhile, two cyclists were arrested after they attacked a motorist during a so-called “Critical Mass” ride, events where large groups of cyclists ride through city streets to demonstrate their right to the road. New York cyclists are up in arms about an incident in which a police officer, for no apparent reason, knocked a cyclist off his bike and then arrested him and tried to pretend the man had run into him until a video recording proved him wrong. And in Colorado, reports the Los Angeles Times, cyclists have been feuding with the sheriff of Larimer County for his aggressive—cyclists say unreasonable— enforcement of bike-related traffic laws. More seriously, most bicycle advocates say cycling deaths are sharply up, although the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has no figures as yet for 2008.
After years of federal and local spending on bike routes and other amenities, most cities are ready to handle more cyclists. But many motorists simply don’t see their two-wheeled brethren or, when they do, find them aggravating. Managing more cyclists is going to take more than new bike paths or fresh stripes on the roads. It looks as though there is a need, on both sides, for a revolution in manners.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Dreams made for some ... destroyed for some ........
While Phelps was breaking all the records that came along his way to make history there were some who quite actually were confident to make history of their but then could not realise those dreams come true.
Grant Hackett would have become the first male swimmer to win the same event in three consecutive Olympics and came very close in the 1500 freestyle to miss it by 0.69 secs.
An idol for long distance swimmers and one of the greats of all time though always under the shadow of Ian Thorpe ......... he still is one of the greatest long distance swimmers i have seen. Vladimir Salnikov was the greatest long distance swimmer before him who too was eluded of this feat. I did not personally see Salnikov swim in the races but he is considered one.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/17/2337854.htm?site=olympics/2008
Grant Hackett would have become the first male swimmer to win the same event in three consecutive Olympics and came very close in the 1500 freestyle to miss it by 0.69 secs.
An idol for long distance swimmers and one of the greats of all time though always under the shadow of Ian Thorpe ......... he still is one of the greatest long distance swimmers i have seen. Vladimir Salnikov was the greatest long distance swimmer before him who too was eluded of this feat. I did not personally see Salnikov swim in the races but he is considered one.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/17/2337854.htm?site=olympics/2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday 15th August......
The 61st Independence day celebrated in India. It feels so good to read about all the news on the independence day and you missed it. Its something, that when you are around you never care for those things but when you are away you just miss them like anything.
And then away from home on a different soil you miss it much more. You enjoy the 4th of July fireworks but surely miss the Hindi commentary from the Red Fort on DD.
Just one more day passes by .....................
JAI HIND.......
And then away from home on a different soil you miss it much more. You enjoy the 4th of July fireworks but surely miss the Hindi commentary from the Red Fort on DD.
Just one more day passes by .....................
JAI HIND.......
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Insipirations at the Olympics
Eric Shanteau is just 24 and cancer stricken but that does not put him back to be with the best in the world. After beating Hansen in the US team trial he qualifies 7th fastest for the 200 mts Breast stroke finals.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=150082.html
A real inspiration for all the young athletes ................
http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=150082.html
A real inspiration for all the young athletes ................
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Todays Cross Country Ride
Today it was decided to to go for a 37 mile ride. Got up early and was up at the meeting point. There were 10 of us. All of them being pro were with the better ones while i was only the one with the straight handle. Started slow and slowly started to gain speed. We started from the Opry mills area then the beautiful parkway then downtown and then towards the Percy Warner Park. Some time into the ride then took good speed though was behind the grp since they had went a bit ahead.
But then some 10 miles ahead i happen to take a wrong turn and just to look around lost control and was off the bike all over. Fell down on my knees and bruised them badly. Just got up with them bleeding and started back. The bike got a beating too as the back rim started wobbling. Over the course of time again too some pace and continued till the Percy Warner Park and started back. On the way Carl and Maria were kind to come back to check on me and Carl being with me for some 8 miles till i was ok.........
Since the knee was getting soar and the back rim not in good shape cut short my ride to complete the 27 miles and returned back.
But in all a good practice for the month end and will sure try to make more rides till then.
But then some 10 miles ahead i happen to take a wrong turn and just to look around lost control and was off the bike all over. Fell down on my knees and bruised them badly. Just got up with them bleeding and started back. The bike got a beating too as the back rim started wobbling. Over the course of time again too some pace and continued till the Percy Warner Park and started back. On the way Carl and Maria were kind to come back to check on me and Carl being with me for some 8 miles till i was ok.........
Since the knee was getting soar and the back rim not in good shape cut short my ride to complete the 27 miles and returned back.
But in all a good practice for the month end and will sure try to make more rides till then.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
My New Bike
I have been biking for a quite some time back home to different places around Pune.But then over the period of last one year after coming to US i was not able to select on any specific bike i could ride on. There were a couple of them which were quite expensive. I have been making rounds of different stores around the city and websites for a good bike and finally my eyes got fixed on the SCOTT Speedster P6 and falling in love with her was almost inevitable. The specs say it all and with my budget i happen to find the best of the lot. I know there are a quite good bikes in higher range and much better ones but then i was in lot of constraints and she was the best one i could find.
Her picture to follow soon :)
My old bike ( I am missing her so much ) was a HERO mountain bike and i have details in my previous blogs. And this one is a hybrid so its very light in weight and sturdy enough for mountain terrains.
After getting her i have been on short rides around the city which were from 10 miles till the max i went was 16 miles till date. But with the Triathlon schedule fast catching up i will be biking in the mid 20's and mid 30 miles in the coming days. That sure will prepare me for the coming competitions.
So its all set ...........
Her picture to follow soon :)
My old bike ( I am missing her so much ) was a HERO mountain bike and i have details in my previous blogs. And this one is a hybrid so its very light in weight and sturdy enough for mountain terrains.
After getting her i have been on short rides around the city which were from 10 miles till the max i went was 16 miles till date. But with the Triathlon schedule fast catching up i will be biking in the mid 20's and mid 30 miles in the coming days. That sure will prepare me for the coming competitions.
So its all set ...........
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Making it for the Triathlon
It’s been a long time since anything was written just been lazy all the way. Nothing to write much too. After running the Mumbai Marathon in January 2007 did not do much on this front. But then couple of weeks back some random thoughts crawled back along with the Olympic season which pumped some spirit in me and I started practicing again. But this time for the Triathlons. It’s always been described by many that if you are making for a triathlon either you are a professional athlete or you are crazy. I definitely fall in the second category. Have started with the basic workouts and long runs and long biking but still a long way to go. But time is running out since I will be participating in my first every competition by the end of August.
The following is the schedule of the competitions to be held and I will try to make all of these that’s what I am target ting for. No time just completing will make me more than happy.
August 31: Callaway Gardens (Intermediate)
September 14: Music City (Olympic)
October 11: Hickory Knob (Intermediate)
For all these I will be participating and working out along with the University team. Not sure how much i will be able to compete but will surely give my best shot.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Inspirational Comeback.........
happen to read a article on Dorra Torres who at 41 is making a come back and made it to the Olympics this July ....... really inspirational and a real role model .......
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/01/AR2007080102538_pf.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/01/AR2007080102538_pf.html
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